Kathleen M. Schuster, age 72, of Massillon, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, following a valiant three month battle with cancer.

She was born January 28, 1954, in Massillon, the daughter of the late Irvin and Rose (Guiffre) Hayden.

Kathleen was a graduate of Washington High School and a member of the swing band. She worked at both Doctors and Massillon Community Hospital, MedQuist, and several veterinary practices.

She was a member of Sons and Daughters of Herman and was co-founder of Second Chance Animal Rescue.

Kathleen is survived by her husband of 40 years, David W. Schuster; son John Schuster; granddaughters, Destin and Addison Schuster; sister, Linda (Dave) Gamary; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tammy and Bill Fiscus; nieces, Michelle Ledford and Stephanie Kyger, along with many extended family members, and friends.

The family would like to thank special friend Becky Kinty for always being there for Kathy, Amherst Meadows Skilled Nursing and Aultman Compassionate Care for their kindness during Kathy's challenging journey.

Kathy showed kindness to any person in need, never judging them, always saying, "we've never walked in their shoes." But anyone who knew Kathy, realized quickly, she had an unparalleled love of animals and a true gift working miracles for and with any animal in need she came across.

But her passion for cats was the greatest of all. she was active in cat rescue since she was a young girl, and it would be impossible to count the hundreds (thousands really) of cats/kittens she personally saved. Her love of cats motivated her to help establish Second Chance for Animals and that mission continues on. She always knew spay/neuter was the priority and not euthanasia.

As we reflect on Kathy's life, when you hear her name, probably "Cat" is the first word that comes to mind. She was truly "That Cat Lady". As we reflect on Kathy and her mission of cat rescue, please help us honor her memory as we continue her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kathy's memory to Second Chance for Animals, P.O. Box 35706, Canton, Ohio 44720 or AlterCat Clinic (Alter Clinic's Spay/Neuter program) 2302 Fulton Road N.W., Canton, Ohio 44709.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 11 A.M. at Oakwood Cemetery in Massillon.

A Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service at the Sons and Daughters of Herman Pavilion, 1994 Deermont Ave. N.W., Massillon, Ohio 44647.

Condolences to the family may be made here on our tribute page. 

Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3248